Its a Boot Community... my step down speech, sort of.
So my speech wasn't written per se, my process involved me talking about it with my dog on our morning walks. That said, especially for those that weren't able to make it to wicked, here's the main idea of what I said for my step down.
Good evening everyone, my name is Kirsten or Rainbow and it has been my privilege to serve as the Western Canadian Bootblack for this past year. A year ago I was astounded to have been awarded this title, especially as I had thought I had lost. At that point all I knew was that I was going to put a pun on a t-shirt, well... mission accomplished (pointing to my It's a boot community, eh? T shirt.). Little did I know how much it would shape my year, as it is all about community. Now, more than ever, we need to come together as a community, especially the leather community. As leather is our armor, both individually, for us out in the world, and together we can stand together to create a safe space for those who are vulnerable. Especially with all the misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, and racism that is being propagated south of the border. We need to come together and listen to each other, and grow into our authentic selves. Over the course of this year it has been my privilege to travel to communities across western Canada; each one having different strengths and ways of creating this space. In Vancouver and the amazing queer bootblacks that welcomed me there, and the amazing "unofficial clubhouse" of Eastside Rerides. You all have me since serious crew goals. Your willingness to share, and learn and grow is truly inspiring. My home of Edmonton, thank you. You have given me multiple opportunities to teach throughout this year, which has allowed me to to grow and develop my voice. You've been so welcoming and supportive, and I'm truly blessed to have been given such a running start to my year. Regina, you have been so incredibly welcoming. I was able to visit twice for two very different reasons, the first was due to my dog requiring emergency surgery, and I spent the whole drive messaging everyone I knew, and it was lady Umbra that invited us over for dinner and some Bootblacking. The second, more auspicious occasion, I was there for and incredible one day workshop and party that was organized by the women's group. Your intentional community is magical and is inspiring. And last but not least, Winnipeg. Your generosity was phenomenal. The opportunity to teach twice that weekend was truly incredible, especially as there was a new Bootblack there. And nothing is quite as motivating as a new Bootblack. There thirst for knowledge, their desire to practice and improve, their drive for their newly discovered passion is contagious. Thank you for that gift. As a Bootblack, my stand is a safe space that I guard fiercely. Together we can do the same for our community. Thank you.
